Graduate role models key to widening access to university

Exploring Westminster Hall. From left to right: Sam, student at the University of Manchester; Ben, IntoUniversity Hammersmith and Abel, student at the University of Manchester

Abel Solomon is a former IntoUniversity Hammersmith student and is now studying at the University of Manchester. On Wednesday 7th September 2016 he was invited to attend a meeting of the APPG on Students which focused on widening access to university among underrepresented groups. We caught up with Abel to find out how he found the event.

"The most significant part of the experience for me was the fact that I was representing people from my background and speaking on their behalf. I had the opportunity to raise the fact that there needs to be more role models for those underrepresented at university.

The general atmosphere in the room was openness to hearing about the challenges and obstacles in getting to university. The meeting enabled many different representatives of people from my background (i.e. those less likely to go to university) to put questions to MPs on the Bill Committee for Higher Education reform.

Abel (left) and Sam explore Westminster Hall

Sam, my friend from college and a fellow student at Manchester had the chance to open the meeting with an insight on how he overcame obstacles to Higher Education. I was proud that my friend was addressing important people and sharing his insight to help them make better laws for the future.

If I could suggest one change to support those underrepresented at university it would be reaching out to universities and employers and getting them to give advice and guidance to young people who don’t have graduate role models among their friends and family. Just like IntoUniversity does".

Could you be a role model to a young person?

Abel and Sam both took part in IntoUniversity's Corporate Mentoring Scheme. If you're a professional graduate and you'd like to find out how you could become a role model to a young person making the transition to university, please take a look at the IntoUniversity website or email corporatementoring@intouniversity.org to find out more.